Step-by-Step DNS Troubleshooting

Follow this in-depth guide to resolving common DNS issues.

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Fixing DNS Issues for Better Connectivity

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When it comes to online connections, DNS (Domain Name System) is a necessary component. These servers are responsible for turning domain names as we know them (like UsenetServer.com, for example) into IP addresses so that other devices can read them, and vice versa.

When DNS server problems disrupt connectivity, you may encounter reduced browsing speeds and the inability to reach the websites you’re looking for. When this happens, it’s important to know how to resolve these DNS server issues quickly.

Below, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions for resolving DNS server complications and show you how UsenetServer’s premium DNS servers offer you a fast and dependable experience.

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How to Check Your DNS Server Settings

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From your menu bar, right-click on the Network icon and open the Network and Internet settings.

Locate the Advanced Network Settings section.

Select your current network connection.

Make sure that the option reading “Use the following DNS server addresses” is selected.

Ensure the UsenetServer DNS addresses are in the correct location.

Open your list of Applications and select Utilities.

Run the Terminal.

Type in the command, “scutil – dns”.

Check which DNS servers are displayed beneath “Resolver”.

Open the Settings app.

Select the Wi-Fi section.

Click on the Wi-Fi network you’re using.

Scroll down to see where DNS servers are listed.

If your DNS servers are set to Automatic, you can find them from the router.

Open the Settings app.

Click on Network & Internet.

Select the network you’re connected to.

Long-press on the Wi-Fi network and click “Modify Network”.

Select the Advanced Options section.

Scroll down to look for your DNS settings..

Locate “IP settings” to see which DNS servers you’re connected to.

Locate the network icon from the system tray.

Right-click on it and click ‘Open Network & Internet Settings”.

Run the Terminal.

Type in the command, “systemd-resolve –status”.

If you use resolv.conf, you can view it by typing in, “cat /etc/resolv.conf”.

This populates the list of DNS servers your system is connected to.

Use your web browser or Terminal to test your DNS connectivity.

Type in the following text, “ping google.com”.

If this generates a response, your DNS is working as intended.

Steps to Resolve Typical DNS Problems

As one of the most well-trodden fixes, restarting your router can get rid of minor errors that might be causing you to experience DNS problems.

Check to make sure that your DNS server settings, including the DNS addresses, are configured correctly. If not, it can cause a weak connection.

If you want to identify whether a problem is specific to your device, try a different one! Connect your smartphone, tablet, or computer that doesn’t have DNS server settings enabled to the same network to see if the issue is with the device or the network.

If your operating system has a corrupted DNS cache, or if it’s out of date, you can run into connection problems. Empty your DNS cache to see if this resolves the issue. To do so, follow these steps:

Windows

Open the command prompt/terminal and type in: “ipconfig /flushdns”.
Ping the server you’re connected to and make sure it’s active.

macOS

Open the terminal and type in: “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder”.
Ping the server you’re connected to and make sure it’s active.

Linux

Open the terminal and type in: “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder”.
Ping the server you’re connected to and make sure it’s active.

Android

Turn your device off and on again.
If this doesn’t resolve the issue, reset your network settings by going to your device settings, selecting the System option, and clicking the Reset Options link.
Tap the Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile, & Bluetooth option.
Confirm your choice by selecting ‘Reset’.

iOS

Turn on Airplane Mode by opening the Control Center and selecting the icon showing the airplane.
Once it’s on, wait a few moments before turning it off again.
You can also restart your device to clear the DNS cache by holding down the Side button and one of the Volume buttons.

Occasionally, software like firewalls or even an antivirus can cause problems with DNS servers and their connectivity. Disable these features momentarily to see if this resolves the problem.

Another test for DNS servers is to connect your device to a completely different network. You can test this out with a hotspot from your mobile device or a public Wi-Fi network. By doing this, you can determine whether the issue is caused by the network or your ISP (Internet Service Provider).

If you’ve attempted all these fixes and still haven’t found one that works, contact your ISP to see if there is an issue with their DNS servers.

If all else fails, you can contact UsenetServer’s support team for additional assistance.

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Why Choose UsenetServer's DNS Access

Keeping your online connections fast and secure is more important than ever, and UsenetServer is proud to offer our huge user base access to the highest-quality DNS servers. This gives our customers the best possible online browsing with unbeatable speeds and top-grade protection that prevents threats like malware from compromising your device’s security.

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Explore our guides and navigate Usenet like a pro. We also provide a variety of articles on how to get the best online protection.

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Our support team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and ensure a smooth experience with our service. Contact us today.

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Step-by-Step DNS Troubleshooting

Fixing DNS Issues for Better Connectivity

How to Check Your DNS Server Settings

Windows

macOS

iOS

Android

Linux

DNS

Steps to Resolve Typical DNS Problems

Step 1 Reset Your Wi-Fi Router

Step 2 Check DNS Server Set-Up

Step 3 Use a Different Device

Step 4 Empty Cache

Step 5 Remove Firewalls and Antivirus

Step 6 Connect to a Different Network

Step 7 Contact Your ISP

Step 8 Reach Out to Our Support Team

Why Choose UsenetServer's DNS Access

24/7 Support: We're Here When You Need Us

Check Out Our Tutorial Archive

You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers